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'How much do I not want this?' Fans unsure about 'Jason Bourne' revival amid rumors of Matt Damon's return as lead

As per the latest reports, Universal Pictures is working on a movie with a fresh approach to the 'Jason Bourne' action franchise

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: A new 'Jason Bourne' movie is reportedly in its early stages of development, according to a Deadline article published on Monday, November 20.

The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed that Universal Pictures is supposedly taking a fresh approach to the action franchise with Edward Berger, the director of Oscar-winning 'All Quiet on the Western Front', serving as its creative head. However, the flick has yet to get a script. 

Even though casting is yet to be decided, it is not entirely out of the realm of possibility that Matt Damon, who rose to fame with his role as the titular character in the franchise’s movies in the early 2000s, might be tempted to get involved in the upcoming project. 

Who is going to direct the new 'Bourne' movie?

Based on the reports, Edward Berger is set to direct the upcoming installment of Universal Pictures' 'Bourne’ franchise.

Earlier this year, the screenplay for 'All Quiet on the Western Front' earned Berger an Oscar nomination and the film won four awards, including Best International Feature Film at the 95th Academy Awards.

The release of this World War I epic on Netflix introduced Berger to a wider audience who may not have been familiar with his previous German-language films such as 'Jack' (2014) and 'All My Love' (2019), both of which premiered at the Berlin Film Festival.

Recently, Focus Features has picked up the US rights to the director's latest thriller 'Conclave', which features Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, and John Lithgow.

After the success of 'All Quiet on the Western Front', Berger has become highly sought after, with many excited about his potential involvement in the future of the 'Bourne' franchise.

How many ‘Bourne’ movies are there?

The 'Bourne' franchise consists of five action-thriller movies based on the character Jason Bourne, created by late author Robert Ludlum in his 1980 novel 'The Bourne Identity'.

Namely, 'The Bourne Identity' (2002), 'The Bourne Supremacy' (2004), 'The Bourne Ultimatum' (2007), 'The Bourne Legacy' (2012), 'Jason Bourne' (2016). The franchise also got a TV show, 'Treadstone', in 2019.

Having said that, the first on-screen adaptation of 'Bourne' came in 1988, with American Broadcasting Company (ABC) at the helm of production and distribution.

The TV mini-series, titled 'The Bourne Identity', was written by Carol Sobieski and directed by Roger Young for Warner Bros Television. It had Richard Chamberlain in the title role, along with Jaclyn Smith.

How many actors have played Jason Bourne in the ‘Bourne’ franchise?

As of now, three actors have been seen portraying Jason Bourne. Matt Damon took the lead in the original trilogy that came out between 2002 and 2007, and reprised the role for 2016's ‘Jason Bourne’.

The movie adaptations are based on the novels of Robert Ludlum, and they are centered around a government operative who loses his memory and is hunted by his own country.

Jeremy Renner starred as Bourne in 2012's ‘The Bourne Legacy’, which is considered a spinoff, while actor Richard Chamberlain first portrayed the character in the 1988 TV mini-series 'The Bourne Identity'.

During his appearance on the 'Dan Patrick Show' in March, upon being asked whether he would consider reprising his role in the highly successful franchise, Matt Damon said, "Yeah, I could certainly see if we could if we could think up a good story, you know, it would I would definitely do it."

He added, "I love that character. It's been great to me, and I love the story. So if there was a way to do it, I'm not against it." 

Fans divided over the revival of the ‘Bourne’ franchise

Soon after the news of the production of the new 'Jason Bourne' movie surfaced, fans flocked to share their perspectives surrounding the film. While some wanted Matt Damon to be back in the lead, others thought that a revival wasn't required. 

One X (formerly Twitter) user wrote, "No Damon/Greengrass collaboration…no new Bourne movie!"

Another noted, "I really hope they can get Matt back because I love the Bourne films and it won't work without him #JasonBourne."

"NEEEEEEEED!!! Fa-REAKING OUT. Also… it has to be Matt. Has to. #JasonBourne," said someone, who was excited about the announcement. 

A person remarked, "LET’S GOOOOOO!!! While I am disappointed that Paul Greengrass isn’t returning to direct it, I do hope it turns out great!"

"The only way I'm watching is if Matt Damon is included," stated a person. 

On Reddit, a person wrote, "Bourne Ultimatum was a great ending, why are we chasing that dragon still?"

"The first three instalments were great entertainment, the last two forgettable. If they do make a new Bourne film, make a loyal adaptation of the first novel," commented another. 

"Make. New. Movies. Christ, where the hell can the Bourne franchise even go at this point?" stated someone, who clearly wasn't happy with the announcement of another 'Jason Bourne' movie.

A fan opined, "Good director pick but it’s a little late for a new Bourne. I love the movies tho. But I can’t really see where they could go with this." 

A person inquired, "Are there no new ideas left?" with one saying, "so unnecessary."

"How much do I not want this? Please, the first one redefined a modern action film. The next 2 are great films in their own right. Legacy was alright, but the 2016 reboot really didn’t capture the spirit of the first 3," expressed another.